Clutch / transmission / starter?

My 2003 Chopper has about 12,000 miles. I was riding along about 50 mph in 5th gear and the bike quit pulling for a few seconds but the motor was running fine. It started pulling again and went a few hundred feet and quit pulling again for a few seconds and then pulled good again. I went about a mile and turned the bike off. After about 30 min. I went to leave and the bike wouldn't start. Sounds like the starter is spinning good but not engaging where it should. Also the bike rolls freely in any gear now. I checked the clutch adjustment nut inside the derby cover and the primary chain through the inspection plate and all looks good. Is my transmission shot? Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Tony
 

2004BC

FREEDOM!!!
My 2003 Chopper has about 12,000 miles. I was riding along about 50 mph in 5th gear and the bike quit pulling for a few seconds but the motor was running fine. It started pulling again and went a few hundred feet and quit pulling again for a few seconds and then pulled good again. I went about a mile and turned the bike off. After about 30 min. I went to leave and the bike wouldn't start. Sounds like the starter is spinning good but not engaging where it should. Also the bike rolls freely in any gear now. I checked the clutch adjustment nut inside the derby cover and the primary chain through the inspection plate and all looks good. Is my transmission shot? Thanks in advance for any assistance.
Tony
Hi Tony,

Sounds like your clutch is disengaged from your bike for whatever reason. You need to take off your clutch cover and watch what moves and what doesn't when you put it in gear and roll it. After that observe what happens when you bump your starter button (in neutral of course). Start there. I don't see your trans shot and that affect your ability to start the bike.
:cheers:
 
Hi Tony,

Sounds like your clutch is disengaged from your bike for whatever reason. You need to take off your clutch cover and watch what moves and what doesn't when you put it in gear and roll it. After that observe what happens when you bump your starter button (in neutral of course). Start there. I don't see your trans shot and that affect your ability to start the bike.
:cheers:
Thanks. The clutch basket turns with the bike in gear but the primary chain doesn't. The starter also makes the clutch basket turn but not the primary. The clutch basket turns about 1/8 turn either way before it makes the rear belt drive move. So it does sound like my clutch is disengaged from my bike (primary drive) for whatever reason. Pulling the clutch lever in does make the outer clutch cover come out between 1/16" and 1/8". Also, which OEM part number matches my outer primary cover gasket? Any suggestions? Thanks again.
 
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2004BC

FREEDOM!!!
Thanks. The clutch basket turns with the bike in gear but the primary chain doesn't. The starter also makes the clutch basket turn but not the primary. The clutch basket turns about 1/8 turn either way before it makes the rear belt drive move. So it does sound like my clutch is disengaged from my bike (primary drive) for whatever reason. Pulling the clutch lever in does make the outer clutch cover come out between 1/16" and 1/8". Also, which OEM part number matches my outer primary cover gasket? Any suggestions? Thanks again.
Now I would loosen your pressure plate clutch rod nut and back out your adjuster untill it is absolutely not touching the clutch rod and check everything again. This eliminates a permanently disengaged clutch due to the clutch rod. If still the same then time to take off your primary cover, grab a manual, and take apart your pressure and clutch plates looking for reasons why they are spining instead of gripping. This is the next step.
:cheers:
 
Found it. It appears that 3 bolts holding the primary chain sprocket to the clutch drum may have backed out causing the other 3 to shear off. I guess any grade 8 socket head bolt will work as replacement?
Thanks for the assistance 2004BC.

 
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2004BC

FREEDOM!!!
Grade 8 and red locktite. You don't want that to happen again. Nice job fixing your bike and you're welcome!

:cheers:
 

Slick-Dog

Active Member
Yep thats what happen to mine but they all broke loose...its the wifes bike and she doesnt even get on it...
 

DR BULLDOG

DR BULLDOG
Yes I Had The same thing happen to my 04 Bulldog repaired it and ordered a Baker open Primary Check your compensator spring I think this spring was the problem or what started the problem anyway they are a poor design on Harley's Part the 05 and newer BD done away with the compensator spring with Baker Primary Good luck and great repair.
 

pastor t

Active Member
This is my first BDM. I have an 05 pit bull and two weeks after owning it my clutch is squealing off and on. More so as it warms up. It's been going on for two days. Any ideas out there?
 

woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
give us a few more details, such as how many miles on the bike, general overall condition of the bike, how hard you are throttling it, etc. more info makes it easier to answer.

and would be a good thing if you threw up an intro in the introduction section tellings us a few things about yourself, like what other kinds of bikes, how long you been riding, what your daughters look like; you know, things like that.:D:D:cheers:

and more importantly, were you the guy in Iowa that won the last powerball lottery??????
 

pastor t

Active Member
give us a few more details, such as how many miles on the bike, general overall condition of the bike, how hard you are throttling it, etc. more info makes it easier to answer.

and would be a good thing if you threw up an intro in the introduction section tellings us a few things about yourself, like what other kinds of bikes, how long you been riding, what your daughters look like; you know, things like that.:D:D:cheers:

and more importantly, were you the guy in Iowa that won the last powerball lottery??????
Thanks for the reply, Sorry I jumped protocol, I'm a novice at this. I have just over 7000 mi. on the bike is in great condition and I've put less than 200 mi. on it so far all in town. Been riding for 30 yrs. this is my only bike. I am a pastor and getting this bike is something I have been working on for several yrs. No on the power ball and my daughter is already married off! :lol: Can any one tell me how to post an introduction?
 
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woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
up on the toolbar above, go to the forums button, click on it, then find the introduction listing, click on it, and close to the top on the left hand side you will find the "new thread" button, click on that and go to town.

and congrats on the dog and the daughter. :roll::roll::roll::2thumbs::2thumbs:
 

Slick-Dog

Active Member
Found out to...they dont make them like that any more... its a 1 piece app.. sprocket,basket all in one..
 
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